Coin operated devices and method of collecting coins therefrom



I Jan. 20, 1959 38 com OPERATED DEVI HARE CES AND METHOD OF COLLECTINGCOINS THEREFROM Filed Oct. 19, 1955 -rmosPHexmc PQEssuQE 2 Sheets-Sheet1 FIG. 1

"Ill! 1H1, my) H e2 62 e 60 G? 68 (J INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY Jan. 20, 1959 B. SHARE 2,869,777

COIN OPERATED DEVICES AND METHOD OF COLLECTING coms THEREFROM Filed Oct.19, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 155 "6 g FIG 4 132 132 ATTORNEY t lector.

COIN OPERATED DEVICES AND METHOD OF COLLECTING COINS THEREFROM BarnettShare, Queens Village, N. Y.

Application October 19, 1955 Serial No. 541,338

12 Claims. (Cl. 232-16) This invention relates to coin operated devicesand, more particularly, to a novel coin receptacle therefor and a methodof collecting coins therefrom.

Coin operated devices are presently used to perform many serviceshitherto performed manually. For example, while such devices have longbeen used in turnstiles to control admissions and in vending machines,their use in these cases is rapidly increasing. A new use, developedover the past few years has been parking meters for automaticallyregulating parking time in congested locations.

In every case, such coin devices include not only mechanism operated orcontrolled by the insertion of one or more coins or tokens of apredetermined denomination but also a receiver for the collected coins.These receivers are secured in position against unauthorized tamperingso as to be accessible only to an authorized col- The latter usually hasa suitable key or the like by means of which he can reach therecepetacle, remove it, collect the coins therefrom, and replace thereceptacle in its security position.

For the most efficient and economical operation of coin controlled oroperated devices, it is essential that the man-hours required forcollection of coins and maintenance of the devices be kept at a minimum.With present types of coin receptacles, and with methods of collectionrequiring removal, emptying, and replacement of the coin receptacles,the collection man-hours required per device is unduly high,particularly in the case of parking meters.

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention is directed to asimplified, automatically locking coin receiver or receptacle for suchcoin devices, and to an improved highly efficient collection method bymeans of which the coin receptacle is automatically unlocked, moved to adischarge position, and emptied in a single continuous operation and,when the operation is terminated, the receptacle automatically returnedto its security position and automatically latched therein.

More particularly, the coin receptacle is in the form of a hollow pistonmovable longitudinally in an elongated cylinder constituting the supportfor the coin device, such as a parking meter. The upper end of the receptacle is open to allow coins deposited into the meter, or otherdevice, to fall into the receptacle and against a sloping wall formingthe bottom of the receptacle. This wall slopes downwardly and outwardlytoward a coin discharge opening in the side wall of the pistonselectively alignable with a corresponding opening in the side wall ofthe cylinder or support.

Normally the receptacle is positioned by gravity with its side wallopening below that in the cylinder and thus closed by an imperforatewall portion of the cylinder. In suchcoin receiving position of thepiston, small perforations or airholes in the piston wall above the coindischarge opening are at the zone of the opening in the side wall of thecylinder. At this time, laterally movable it latch means mounted in thepiston are biased to a pro- "ice jected position engaging a recess oropening in the cylinder wall, thus locking the piston or receptacleagainst unauthorized movement, as the upper end of the piston extendsupwardly beyond the opening in the cylinder wall.

The method of collecting coins from the receptacle involves the use ofsuction. A collecting device including a source of vacuum or negativepressureis provided with a bafile and screen in advance of the sourceandwith 0 a hose or conduit adapted for a substantially air-tight fit inthe side wall opening of the cylinder or mounting post.

When the collecting device is connected to the mounting post and suctionapplied, the pressure within the coin receptacle is reducedsubstantially below atmospheric, due to the airholes or perforations inthe piston. The resulting pressure differential first releases the latchmeans and then effects upward movement of the receptacle, with stopmeans limiting such movement to a position Where the two side wallopenings are aligned. The, coins are sucked into the hose or conduitand, striking the deliecting baffle, fall into a coin container fromwhich the collected coins may be periodically removed.

When the collecting device is disconnected from the mounting post orcylinder, the receptacle falls by gravity to its securityposition and isautomatically re-latched therein. As the only operation required tounlock the receptacle and collect the coins therefrom is the connectionof the vacuum device to the cylinder, the collection time per device isonly a minor fraction of that presently required. Additionally, due tothe simplicity of. construction, assembly, and operation of the coinreceptacle, maintenance is reduced to a minimum.

For an understanding of the invention principles, reference is made tothe following description of typical embodiments thereof as illustratedin the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Figs. 1 and 2 are central vertical sectional views of one embodiment ofthe invention showing, respectively, the receptacle in the security andin the coin discharge positions;

Fig. 3 is a pictorial and schematic elevation view illustrating thecollection device and method;

Fig. 4 is a central vertical sectional view of another embodiment of theinvention, taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 5, and showing the receptaclein the security position;

Fig. 5 is a top plan view thereof; and

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged vertical sections respectively illustratingthe receptacle and latch means in the security and discharge positions.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, one embodiment of the inventionisillustrated as incorporated in a parking meter involving a meter head 10mounted on a tubular stand 11, head 10 having its skirt 12 welded to aring 13 in turn welded to the top of stand 11. Meter 15 has a base 16bolted to an annular top plate 17 on skirt 12, a coin chute 18registering with a slot 19 in base 16 centered relative to annular plate17.

The coin collector includes a cylinder 20 to which is welded a flange 21seating on the upper end of stand 11 when cylinder 20 is inserted intothe latter. Intermediate its length, cylinder 20 is formed with apreferably circular coin discharge opening 25 having an outwardly anddownwardly sloping lower edge 26. The upper end of cylinder 20 has anannular cap 22 threaded thereon and carrying a coin chute 23 alignedwith chute 18 and with a slot 24 in the cap. An annular cushion 27 ofrubber or the like seats against the inner surface of cap 22. The lowerend of cylinder 20 is closed by a threaded plug or cap 28.

For a purpose to be described, circumferential grooves 31 are formed inthe inner surface of cylinder 20 at the 3 zone of opening 25. Just aboveflange 21, a latch opening 32 is formed through the cylinder wall and astop 33 welded to the outer surface of the cylinder extends partlyacross opening 33. Below flange 21, a rubber seat 30 is firmly set inthe cylinder and supports an annular cushion 34. Seat 30 has an axialopening 36 of polygonal and preferably rectangular cross section.

The coin receptacle comprises a hollow or tubular piston slidablymounted in cylinder 20. Piston 40 has a preferably circular opening 45in its side wall, congruent with opening 25 in cylinder 21), and havinga downwardly and outwardly bevelled lower edge 46. Edge 46 forms asmooth continuation of the upper surface of a sloping plate 35 closingthe lower end of piston 40. A rectangular rod 41 extends downwardly fromplate 35 and through opening 36 in seat 3t). Rod 41, in cooperation withopening 36, maintains angular alignment of cylinder 20 and piston 40.The lower end of rod 41 carries a limit stop or abutment 42.

Plate 35 has an opening 51 communicating with the interior of a radialnipple 52 secured in air-tight relation with plate 35 and the pistonwall. The piston wall has an opening 53 vertically aligned with opening32 in cylinder 20. "Nipple 52 slidably receives a cup-shape latch 50biased outwardly by a spring 54 to enter hole 32. Above plate 35, piston40 has a series of perforations or air holes 43.

lReferringto Fig. 3, the collecting device 60, which may 'be selfsupported or mounted on a vehicle, comprises a motor 61 driving a vacuumpump 62 connected to a chamber 63. Chamber 63 is connected by a flexiblehose or conduit 64 to a perforated arcuate plate 65 arranged to have aclose fit against cylinder 20 at opening 25. Defleeting balfles 66 and67, in chamber 63, deflect coins into a receiver 68 having a removabledoor 69. A screen 59 is disposed in advance of the connection to pump62.

Normally piston or receiver 40 is in the lower position illustrated inFig. 1, moving thereto by gravity, with latch '50 engaged in hole 32.The imperforate upper part of the piston blocks access through opening25. Coins inserted in meter 15, or any other coin operated device onstand 11, fall through chutes 18 and 23 into piston 40, being retainedon wall 35.

To collect the coins, plate 65 is conformingly engaged over opening 25and motor 61 is started to drive vacuum .pump 62. The resultant highvacuum at opening 25 reduces the pressure inside piston 40 throughgrooves 31 and apertures 43. .It will be noted that grooves 31communicate with opening 25 and thus connect apertures 43 and theinterior of piston 40 to this opening. Atmospheric pressure, throughopening 32, being in excess of the pressure within piston 40', forceslatch 50 inwardly to the retracted position and then moves piston 46upwardly against cushion 27 to the position of Fig. 2. Guide rod 41maintains piston 40 and cylinder 20 in angular orientation so thatopening 45 registers with opening 25.

The coins are sucked into hose 64 and, striking baffles 66, 67, fallinto container 68. Plate 65 is then disengaged from opening 25 andpiston 40 falls to the security or coin receiving position of Fig. 1,with spring '54 moving latch 50 into hole 32 against stop 33. When theround of collections is completed, the coins are removed from receiver68 through door 69.

In the arrangement of Figs. 4-7, the cylinder and stand are combined inone tubular unit 120 having a mounting flange 117 for a coin operated orcontrolled device. Piston 140 is telescoped in cylinder 12! and has anannular flange 147 on its open upper end. The bottom end of the ,pistonis formed by a plug 160 having a sloping upper surface 135 with itslower outer edge coincident with the lower edge of opening 145 in piston140. A tube 148 extends from flange 147 through plug 160 and is radiallyoffset from the axis of piston 140. This tube receives a guide rod 141having a head 142 seatin g in a notch 149 in flange 117. Rod 141maintains piston 140 angularly oriented with cylinder 12% so thatopening 145 is vertically aligned with cylinder opening 125. The latteropening has a spout or extension 136' having an axis parallel to surfaceand a coupling flange 131 on its outer end.

Plug 160 is formed with air passages 161 and 162 therethrough and withan axial recess 163 intersected by a diametric passage 164 extendingcompletely through piston 141?. The latch means comprises balls 150 inpassage 164 arranged to engage in diametrically opposite recesses 132 inthe inner surface of cylinder 12%).

Recess 163 receives an enlarged head 151 on a thinner threaded shank 152connected by nuts 153 to a sealing disk 155 of carbon or the like havingan airtight fit in cylinder 12 Elongated operators 154 are disposed inpassage 16-4 between balls 151) and head 151 or shank 152. An annularplate 156 is bolted to the lower end of plug 160 to retain head 151 inrecess 163.

Normally piston is in the position of Figs. 4 and 6, wherein the pistonwall blocks opening 125, this wall having apertures 143 aligned withsuch opening. Disk 155 is in the position of Figs. 4- and 6 so that head151, through operators 154, forces balls 15tl-into recesses 132 lockingpiston 141} in the security position.

When the vacuum collecting device 60 is coupled to spout 136, a partialvacuum is established in piston 140 through apertures 143. The partialvacuum within piston 146 is effected on the upper surface of disk 155through air passages 161, 162. Atmospheric pressure beneath disk 155moves the disk upwardly to align shank 152 with passage 164. Balls 150can now move inwardly to disengage recesses 132 permitting theatmospheric pressure to move piston 140 upwardly.

When openings 125 and are in registry, in the position of Fig. 7, thecollected coins are sucked into receiver 68. Then device 63 is uncoupledfrom spout 136 and piston 14% descends by gravity. Disk 155 tends topull head 151 downwardly but such movement is prevented by ballsengaging the surface of cylinder 120 to hold operators 154 against shank152. When piston 1411 reaches a position blocking opening 125, diskdescends further as shown in Figs. 4 and 6 as balls 15! are forced intorecesses 132 and maintained therein by head 151 through operator 154,thus locking piston 146 in the security position.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the inventionprinciples, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What 'is claimed is:

1. A coin collector for coin-controlled apparatus comprising, incombination, a generally upright elongated cylinder having a top openingtoreceive coins and a coin discharge opening in its side wall; a hollowpiston coin receiver slidably mounted in said cylinder and having a topopening to receive coins, and a coin discharge opening in its side wallregistrable with the coin discharge opening in said cylinder; saidpiston having a coin retaining surface extending laterally thereacrossfrom the lower edge of its coin discharge opening; said piston beingbiased by gravity to .a coin retaining position with its coin dischargeopening completely below the corresponding cylinder opening, and withits side wall above its coin discharge opening obstructing thecorresponding cylinder opening; said cylinder being open to atmosphereabove and below said coin retaining surface; said piston having asubstantially air tight sliding fit in said cylinder; and meansestablishing a connection between the cylinder coin discharge openingand the interior of said piston; whereby, upon connection of a suctiondevice 'to said cylinder coin discharge opening, a partial vacuum willbe established in said cylinder and piston above said coin retainingsurface, and said piston will be moved upwardly by atmospheric pressurein said cylinder and piston beneath said coin retaining surface to acoin discharge position in which the two coin discharge openings are insubstantially registry.

2. A coin collector for coin-controlled apparatus comprising, incombination, a generally upright elongated cylinder having a top openingto receive coins and a coin discharge opening in its side wall; a hollowpiston coin receiver slidably mounted in said cylinder and having a topopening to receive coins, and a coin discharge opening in its side Wallregistrable with the coin discharge opening in said cylinder; saidpiston having a coin retaining surface extending laterally thereacrossfrom the lower edge of its coin discharge opening; said piston beingbiased by gravity to a coin retaining position with its coin dischargeopening completely below the corresponding cylinder opening, and withits side wall above its coin discharge opening obstructing thecorresponding cylinder opening; said cylinder being open to atmosphereabove and below said coin retaining surface; said piston having asubstantially airtight sliding fit in said cylinder; means establishinga connection between the cylinder coin discharge opening and theinterior of said piston; and latch means movably mounted in said pistonand biased to a position engaging a latch portion of said cylinder whenthe piston is in the coin retaining position, said latch means havingoperating portions respectively subjected to atmospheric pressure and tothe pressure within said piston and cylinder above said coin retainingsurface; whereby, upon connection of a suction device to said cylindercoin discharge opening a partial vacuum will be established in saidcylinder and piston above said coin retaining surface, and said latchmeans will be retracted by atmospheric pressure and said piston will bemoved upwardly by atmospheric pressure in said cylinder and pistonbeneath said coin retaining surface to a coin discharge position inwhich the two coin discharge. openings are in substantial registry.

3. A coin collector as claimed in claim 1 in which said coin retainingsurface slopes toward the coin dis charge opening of said piston.

4. A coin collector as claimed in claim 2 in which said coin retainingsurface slopes toward the coin discharge opening of said piston.

5. A coin collector as claimed in claim 2 in which said latch means isbeneath said coin retaining surface and the latter is apertured tosubject one of said latch operating portions to the pressure within saidpiston and cylinder above said coin retaining surface.

6. A coin collector as claimed in claim 2 in which said latch meanscomprises a housing extending laterally of said piston from theunderside of said coin retaining surface and communicating with thepiston interior through an aperture in such surface; a latch slidablymounted in said housing; and means biasing said latch to extend throughan opening in the cylinder wall aligned with the opposite end of saidhousing.

7. A coin collector as claimed in claim 1 including means restrainingrelative rotation of said cylinder and piston.

8. A coin collector as claimed in claim 1 in which said connectionestablishing means comprises grooves in the inner surface of saidcylinder extending circumferentially from its coin discharge opening,and a longitudinal series of apertures in the cylinder wall above itscoin discharge opening.

9. A coin collector as claimed in claim 2 in which said latch meansincludes a latch element mounted for lateral movement relative to saidpiston and engageable in a latch receiving surface formed in thecylinder wall; and pressure responsive operating means for said latchelement.

10. A coin collector as claimed in claim 2 in which said latch meanscomprises latch elements movably mounted in a laterally extendingpassage through the bottom wall of said piston for selective engagementin recesses in the cylinder wall aligned with the ends of said passage;and pressure responsive operating means for said latch elements.

11. A coin collector as claimed in claim 10 in which the lower wall ofsaid piston has an axial, downwardly opening recess intersecting saidpassage; and said operating means includes a rod slidably engaged insaid recess and having a portion of reduced diameter; said latchelements engaging said rod and having effective lengths such as to beforced into said cylinder wall recesses by said rod except when thereduced diameter portion thereof is aligned with said passage.

12. A coin collector as claimed in claim 11 including a second piston onthe lower end of said rod; said coin receiver piston bottom wall havingapertures therethrough subjecting the upper surface of said secondpiston to the pressure within said coin receiver piston; the reduceddiameter portion of said rod being aligned with said passage when saidsecond piston is raised toward said piston bottom wall upon reduction ofthe pressure within said coin receiver piston, to release said latchmeans for upward movement of said coin receiver piston.

References (flirted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS411,710 Burns Sept. 24, 1889 1,303,604 Sims May 13, 1919 1,314,677Linton Sept. 2, 1919 1,429,461 Shadinger Sept. 19, 1922 2,749,030 JonesJune 5, 1956

